dimanche 2 décembre 2012

Plastiroll launches bio-film to extend life of fresh food products

Biodegradable films
producer Plastiroll has unveiled a new bio-film which it claims will extend the
life of fresh food products such as fruits and vegetables

Following two years
of research and development work, the Finnish based firm said its transparent
packaging film was made from combination of corn starch based materials which
results in a film which forms a breathable membrane that is biodegradable and “GMO-free
with good strength properties”.

“Our new bio-film is
an ecological alternative to conventional plastic films with the same physical
properties. There is a demand for packaging materials with good green
credentials as long as they perform as well as or better than conventional
films,” said Jani Avellan, product development manager at Plastiroll. He added: “For our customers this is a
solution that offers significant cost savings through longer shelf life, less
waste and lower disposal costs.”

The firm said that
its new film can be easily disposed of along with the food waste. The packaging
film is sealable and can be used on its own or as part of a carton box or tray.

Depending on customer
requirements it can be supplied in different thickness and roll width for use
in most types of packaging machinery.

In a statement, the
firm said: “The performance has been rigorously tested with customers in Europe
who have reported significantly increasedself-life extensionsof
fresh produce.

“This is because the
packaging film helps create an optimum balance between humidity control and
oxygen and carbon dioxide permeability which, in turn, contributes to slowing
product degradation. Also, due to the fact that sealing temperature of
bio-films is lower than of conventional plastic films, less energy and lower
temperatures are needed during the bio-film packaging process.”